Amy Adler
Carson (Jaelen Petrie), originally from Montana, is now working for a British Beef Firm. Raised on a cattle ranch, he naturally knows quite a bit about the production of steak. Also a Mormon, he has met a lovely girl, Lucy (Katie Foster-Barnes) who he believes is "the one". But, when Carson goes to the lady's grandfather-guardian, to ask for Lucy's hand, the Piccadilly cowboy is thrown for a loop. It seems Lucy has an unwed, older sister, Gemma (Sophie Shaw). IF Carson can find a suitor for Gemma, then the engagement is on. What a concept! It turns out Gemma is a pretty teacher who has been on one too many bad dates and doesn't want to keep trying. Yet, without disclosing Grandfather's conditions, Carson begins to set her up with a bevy of men. None of the dates work out very well. But, in the meantime, Carson gets to know Gemma much better, as he meets her at her work, at church, and on the town. Even a last attempt set-up with Carson's boss as a possible gentleman for Gemma DOESN'T dampen Mr. Cowboy's growing interest in his own fiancée's sister! What can be done? This very nice romcom, Mormon style, has its moments. What fun to see Carson on business in Scotland, where he has trouble understanding the accented English and the ways of the Scots! Although the film has no stars, the three principals, Petrie, Shaw, and Foster-Barnes, are attractive, capable actors. Likewise, the supporting cast is fine, as are the costumes, great scenery, and production values. The story is not heavily religious but it is definitely a factor, making the movie a clean, safe view for everyone. Nevertheless, the pace of the film could have been better, as there are times of low energy. Yet, if you like romantic comedies and want one that will have no objectionable material, here's one which you would be wise to locate.
lafillelabas
I like this movie. I've seen it twice now, and it's, for the most part, enjoyable. The scenery is great, the acting is adequate. Of the main characters, I thought Sophie Shaw, Tom Butcher and Gwyneth Powell were the best actors. The others kept reminding me that they were in a movie playing particular parts.There were some cringe-worthy things, though, like Carson Wells' (Jaelan Petrie) wardrobe and sometimes his demeanor, but I understand that's just part of his character. I just don't think it should be that distracting in a main character. However, I respect the effort the filmmakers made to have the main character be imperfect in some ways. I may not have minded as much if he'd been a better actor. (spoiler:) For example, in the scenes relating to his parents and the anguish he is supposed to feel, it felt pretty forced to me. (end spoiler) Overall, I like this movie, and since someone gave it to me as a gift recently, I'll definitely be watching it again. It's decent entertainment, and it wins extra points with me for not being full of inappropriate things.
jalapenoman
I'm from Texas. I've lived all but about two years of my life in Texas or New Mexico. That guy on the screen isn't a cowboy and can't play a cowboy. That horse just don't buck! The plot is formulaic and you can see everything coming at you five minutes in advance. In fact, you could probably guess the ending just by reading a short synopsis. Nothing new here, it's all been done before.While this is not as bad as "Out of Step", it is as bad as the LDS version of "Pride and Prejudice" and does have some of the feel of an extended, two hour seminary video.I had hoped the quality made LDS cinema like "The Best Two Years" might start leading to other good stuff. I got really happy when "Saints and Soldiers" came out and begin to see it happening. Work like this, and other recent movies in the genre, have moved us back to square one again.
evgraf
My hat is truly off to anyone who has the commitment to get off of the couch and actually make a movie. It is an enormous undertaking. But the gushing reviews listed elsewhere were so contrary to my own experience that I felt compelled to offer another point of view. This film seemed to appear in the newspaper listings with no publicity so I researched it in advance on IMDb. The background information pointed clearly toward "Mormon cinema". The problem with the genre is that it leans on the inside joke and preaches to the choir to the exclusion of the broader audience. The LDS references were frequent and heavy-handed. To my ear, the main character's accent sounds more like Alabama than Montana. And how could anyone not know after even the most superficial first-date small talk that he was getting involved with his boss's grand-daughter? On the technical side there was enjoyable urban and rural photography of Britain but there were also several very over-exposed sun-bleached shots. The soundtrack reminded me too much of a soap opera Wurlitzer.